Spinning Desicurer: A cost-effective and generalizable post-processing method for enhanced optical quality in 3D-printed microfluidics

3D printing has revolutionized the fabrication and rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. However, it remains challenging to achieve optically transparent microfluidic chips with 3D printing, which limits their applicability in high-resolution imaging applications. We present a paradigm-shifting...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:MRS communications 2024-10, Vol.14 (5), p.909-918
Main Authors: Garibaldi, Gabriel, Ramirez-Alvarado, Guillermo, Garibaldi, Miguel, Sun, Gongchen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomaterials
Characterization and Evaluation of Materials
Chemistry and Materials Science
Early Career Materials Researcher Methods Letter
Materials Engineering
Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Polymer Sciences
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Summary:3D printing has revolutionized the fabrication and rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. However, it remains challenging to achieve optically transparent microfluidic chips with 3D printing, which limits their applicability in high-resolution imaging applications. We present a paradigm-shifting, low-cost, and generalizable post-processing method to address this challenge. Our method is centered around the implementation of a novel post-processing equipment “Spinning Desicurer” which integrates solvent-free resin removal, surface smoothing, and efficient surface curing. Our method produces microfluidic devices with high optical transparency and can be readily used to image microscopic objects such as cells and microparticles with fine details. Graphical abstract
ISSN:2159-6867
2159-6867
DOI:10.1557/s43579-024-00594-9